How do you build your dash?

[shoooter]

What's the best way to build your dash? I was reading a muscle car magazine and saw some one with a charger built a jig to hold the dash so it can be built as a whole then installed.  How have you built a jig? If anyone has a picture of the best way to build one that would be great.

[twalker]

I'm curious about this too - saw the guys on graveyard carz do it outside the car and then two guys fit it in, appealing to me for ease of access, cleaning up harness, etc


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[Cuda Cody]

A jig is nothing more than a way to hold the dash up so you can access both the front and back.  It's by far the best way to install all the wiring and components.  That way it's all complete, tested and working before you put it in the car.  Then you put it in the car as a complete unit.  Here's some photos of one I did..... (my "jig" was some clamps and plywood.)

[Topcat]

Before you build it, paint it.

Worth considering.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cuda-Challenger-Chager-GTX-Road-Runner-Mopar-OEM-PPG-Suede-Dash-Lacquer-Paint-/251283493085?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a81a9d0dd&vxp=mtr#ht_217wt_642

[anlauto]

Assembly the dash 100% outside of the car including all the trim and wiring etc...

I've done dozens just on my work table with a clean table cloth or blanket....No fancy jigs or anything like that.

I think people's projects take five years to finish because they spend too much time making unnecessary jigs and holders dollies etc...  

[Topcat]

I used a moving blanket doubled over I bought at Harbor freight.

Table was a fender table like you find at body shops with a plywood on top.
It let me work at any angle around it.

[Tropicalcats]

Cody

What did you use to strip yours and what color/ texture for paint. It looks great.

[72cudamaan]

4 2x4's some screws and a couple of 2" bolts and I have a stand that the dash bolts to and spins 360 for me.
I'll try to post a picture tomorrow for you if you want.

[crash340]

Cody and others, to pull the dash complete, does the windshield need to be out? These hard to get to demister screws, do they need to come out

[Tropicalcats]

4 2x4's some screws and a couple of 2" bolts and I have a stand that the dash bolts to and spins 360 for me.
I'll try to post a picture tomorrow for you if you want.

I'd like to see it.

[shoooter]

Assembly the dash 100% outside of the car including all the trim and wiring etc...

I've done dozens just on my work table with a clean table cloth or blanket....No fancy jigs or anything like that.

I think people's projects take five years to finish because they spend too much time making unnecessary jigs and holders dollies etc...  

The one I saw was just saw horses and some clamps. I'll just clamp it to a covered piece of metal or wood. I'm was more interested in protecting the dash. Thanks guys!

[shoooter]

Before you build it, paint it.

Is that the best stuff to use or do most people use herbs or semi paint?

Worth considering.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cuda-Challenger-Chager-GTX-Road-Runner-Mopar-OEM-PPG-Suede-Dash-Lacquer-Paint-/251283493085?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a81a9d0dd&vxp=mtr#ht_217wt_642

[Cuda Cody]

I used the same paint (suede), however I purchased it from a different source.  I bought all they had in stock many years ago.  HOWEVER, let me say this about the suede paint.  It's not 100% the paint to get the correct finish, it's how you apply it that matters most.  You can get drastically different finish based on how it's thinned and the application technique.  It took me a few tries to get the correct finish that match my original dash.

[Cuda Cody]

I put it in my blast cabinet and blasted it with aluminum oxide. 

Cody

What did you use to strip yours and what color/ texture for paint. It looks great.

[Cuda Cody]

You can remove & install the dash with the windshield in the car.  It's not hard, just a few small screws along the top and a couple bolts on the side.

If you are install the dash, go ahead and put it in before the windshield as it will make it a little easier to access the top screws, not a big deal either way.

Cody and others, to pull the dash complete, does the windshield need to be out? These hard to get to demister screws, do they need to come out